Introducing EIT Food: Connecting Businesses, Research Centers, Universities, and Consumers in Europe1 This article profiles EIT Food, one of the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KIC) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). The EIT is an independent body of the European Union established to spur innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe to overcome some of its greatest challenges. It brings together leading higher education institutions, research institutions, and companies to form dynamic cross-border partnerships that develop innovative products and services, create new start-up companies, and train a new generation of entrepreneurs. EIT Food links the pillars of the knowledge triangle—innovation, education, and business creation—with a consumer-centered approach that gives citizens the opportunity to become agents of change. The consortium has broad coverage in EU member states and associated countries and is a unique collaboration of more than 50 leading companies, universities, and scientific partners that encompasses the entire food value chain. |